Read A Murderer's Heart for Free Online Page B

she asked.
    After Anne had made the drinks and had once more taken her place on the bench, David said, “Right, I’m going to call the police.”
    With a determined look he dialled the number and arranged to speak to someone on Monday.
    “They said,” he told them, “that these cases were very difficult to prove. That it was virtually impossible to know who it was.” He looked at his wife. “You were right to write down all the times and dates. They’ll look for a pattern and talk to a few people in the hope of finding a connection.” He shook his head and sighed. “They don’t hold out much hope though, as there haven’t been any real threats. You don’t even know if the person is male or female.”
    He took Jenny’s hand. “I told them I was going to be here over the weekend, so they thought Monday would be a good time to file a complaint. That will make it official. We’re going to see an Inspector Meakin at midday.”
    “We?” responded Jenny.
    “You don’t think I’m going to leave you to it, do you?”
    “Well, no but what about work? Anne can come with me.”
    She looked at Anne, who nodded.
    “I am going to be there with you. I can call work, they’ll understand – they’ll have to.”
    When Jenny saw that stubborn look in her husband’s eyes she knew not to argue. She smiled with relief.
    “Right, you two, I must go. I’ll see you all tomorrow – it’ll help your mind to concentrate on something positive. Don’t worry, Jenny, it’ll all work out. You have David and me to help you through it. Whoever it is, will be caught, especially now we’re onto the case!”
    She smiled reassuringly at both of them.
    “Now, I’ll just say a quick hello to my beautiful goddaughters and tell them about tomorrow.”
    She bent to kiss Jenny and give her a hug.
    “I’ll let myself out by the garden gate.”
    “Thanks, Anne, I’ll see you tomorrow. ‘Bye.”
     
     
    ******
     
     
    On the drive back to her place, Anne thought about everything Jenny had told her. She didn’t want to worry her but Anne had heard only bad news about stalkers – which seemed to be the fashionable crime of today’s world.
    Usually, it affected the rich and famous – fans becoming obsessed by their idols, but she knew it could happen to anyone.
    The perpetrator had one purpose, such single-mindedness – their victim was theirs alone. Though not all were dangerous, only sad, lonely people who think they are in love. She knew that the hunter could be said to be a victim too – but that was no consolation to the hunted.
    If what Jenny had told her were true, then this had started a year ago – a long time.
    This was serious.
    It seemed strange though that the first incident seemed so random – for someone to accidentally see Jenny at her children’s birthday party, and become obsessed.
    It couldn’t have started then.
    They must have seen her before.
    But Jenny was such a home bird. She wrote for that magazine, her stories sent in by courier – a condition she set so she wouldn’t have to leave the children.
    Perhaps someone saw her at the art gallery? Though Jenny usually stayed in the background.
    Maybe someone saw her at the supermarket...something as simple as that?
    What did it take for these obsessions to begin?
    A year!
    Jumbled thoughts tossed about in Anne’s brain while she drove.
    Well at least now the police are involved; something can be done.
    She determined to make more time to see Jenny – all her friends. She had neglected them for too long.
    Jenny especially needed her now...Barbara too.
    She felt guilty. She’d put her work first for far too long.
    And she missed them.
    She nodded, determined that from tomorrow things were going to change.
    Before going home, Anne drove to Genelli’s to collect some supplies for the picnic.
    Not only was she lucky to have found such a lovely house but its location was just as perfect for her. Though her home was private and in a pocket of isolation, she